All posts in Chrysler

Big, bold, bling and busty…. That’s the first 4 things that came to mind when the Chrysler C300 SRT8 pulled up to me, also known as the “Bankers Hot Rod” since the mid 1950’s is a true example of what we in South Africa call a “Yank Tank”.

Chrysler C300 SRT8

6.1lt 425HP Hemi V8 pure power drives the giant around the streets of most countries giving attitude as well as status to its owner. I have never been a fan of America cars, and was reluctant to even drive this one, but the moment the pedal was down to the metal my impressions changed 180 degrees and the rear wheels lit up with out any delay or issue. I then knew this was going to be something different, something fun!

The simple interior with a slight hint of sportiness, been the SRT8 stitched into the leather bucket like seats, SRT8 badge on the steering wheel and simple plastic finishes that I find in most Opel’s really gave the Chrysler a minus point to me after been so taken back by the big, bold, bling and busty impression she first gave. Never the less, comfort was not at a loss and whilst the V8 took me from 0 – 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds in the stylish power adjustable sport seats while holding the stable leather-trimmed steering wheel she was a real beast. A six-speaker Boston Acoustics speaker system, with steering wheel-mounted controls allows you to listen to your choice of music while taking that Sunday cruise. Temperature adjustments are made with an automatic control system and individual cabin controls with infrared sensor for your automation of heating or cooling.

Beautiful big instrumentation with 300-kph speedometer, tachometer, temperature gauges and tire pressure monitoring gives any person piloting the SRT8 a true race car feeling when the power is down on the ground, and when traveling at a speed of that loud V8 growl you are able to monitor what is happening around this beast to provide peace of sanity.

The 20-inch aluminum wheels stopped by one of my favorite braking systems of all time Brembo, 360 x 32 mm vented rotors in the front and  350 x 28 mm vented rotors in the rear and suspension and handling controlled by the SRT8 tailored spring rates and suspension bushings and larger diameter anti-sway bars I now know why they call it the “Bankers Hot Rod” because it purely is just that!

Every time I parked the SRT8, I had some one ask me something interesting, but the most interesting was a chap at the local hardware store who came up to me and asked what kind of Rolls Royce is she? I gently giggled to myself and said, its an American Rolls Royce. He looked very blankly at me and peered over to the Chrysler badge that appears above the front grill on a classy chrome surrounding and laughed.. Americans seem to always come up with something!

The Chrysler was a very aggressive car to drive, and always smooth on the get go with an attractive appearance to the passing eyes on the street.

For  just over R550 000, you get a complete package of power, style and comfort, but not forgetting the 6.1lt Hemi V8 is a thirsty bugger to power around, specially when on the open roads.